St. Marys Servicemen’s Detail holds annual banquet
FOX TWP. – The St. Marys Servicemen’s Detail held their annual banquet on Saturday evening at The Red Fern in Fox Township, recognizing members of the organization for their dedication to honoring the area’s veterans and also acknowledging the other individuals and entities that make what they do possible.
Newly elected Detail President Don Schatz provided a brief welcome for the evening and later in the program asked all of the veterans in attendance to stand and be recognized with a round of applause.
“If you like your freedom, thank a veteran,” Schatz said.
Schatz also introduced other current officers of the Detail, including vice-president Stephen Bagley, secretary/treasurer John Dippold, sergeant in charge Tom Price, assistant sergeant in charge Michael Groll, supply sergeant Chuck Hahn, assistant supply sergeant Gerry Eckert, chaplain Karl Cuneo, service officer Steve Secco, maps custodian Steve Wingard, sergeant at arms Kevin Fox, and assistant sergeant at arms Eugene Hooper.
Schatz made it a point to note that while the Detail is most known for assisting with military funerals, members are involved with much more throughout the community.
“The Detail does other stuff besides funerals, which is a very important function,” Schatz said. “We do the
Memorial Day parade. We do the Memorial Day graveside services. We do the Veterans Day ceremony on the Diamond. We do the flag raising at the (Elk Country Visitor Center) for their expo. Last year, we participated in the bridge dedication in Ridgway. We also do the Veterans Day ceremony at the high school.”
Price later addressed attendees for the annual portion of the program recognizing a Purple Heart veteran, who this year